Habitat & RangeThis species is often found in large groups. It inhabits open wooded areas, and seeks out edge habitats with fruiting trees and shrubs for breeding grounds. Such habitats include forest edges, streamsides, fields, and swamp edges. It only ranges north to the Central Coast in the summer months and is found further south for the winter, sometimes all the way to the north edge of South America. Resident populations exist just south of the Canadian-American border. It is found in most areas of North America at varying times of the year (see range map).

Find more information at the British Columbia Breeding Bird Atlas account here.

Intriguing InfoWaxwings are named for their red waxy wingtips. This waxy quality is the result of a secretion produced by birds - the exact purpose of which is unknown, though it may relate to attracting mates. Cedar waxwings eat fruit year-round, and unlike many birds they can survive on a fruit-only diet. Cedar waxwings can become intoxicated from fermented, overripe berries.